Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • ‘Was waiting for the story,’ Diljit Dosanjh reacts to first Emmy nomination for Amar Singh Chamkila

    ‘Was waiting for the story,’ Diljit Dosanjh reacts to first Emmy nomination for Amar Singh Chamkila

    Indian actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh has earned his first-ever International Emmy nomination for Best Performance by an Actor for his portrayal of legendary singer Amar Singh Chamkila, in Netflix’s biographical musical drama ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’.

    Reacting to the prestigious nomination, Dosanjh took to Instagram stories to express his gratitude, writing: “It’s all because of @imtiazaliofficial Sir @netflix.in”, acknowledging the pivotal role the director and streaming platform played in the film’s journey.

    The film, directed by celebrated filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, also secured a nomination in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category at the 2025 International Emmy Awards.

    In a previous interview, Imtiaz Ali shared the story behind casting Diljit in the lead role, revealing that the decision came naturally once the film began to take shape. Ali, who is known for crafting emotionally resonant stories, said he had always been intrigued by the life and music of Amar Singh Chamkila, who was a controversial yet iconic figure in Punjabi pop culture.

    “When I started researching Chamkila’s life, I couldn’t think of anyone but Diljit,” Imtiaz recalled, “He didn’t just look the part, he understood the world, the music, and the language of Chamkila in a way no one else could. I reached out to him and, to my surprise, he immediately said yes, no questions asked. It was almost like he had been waiting for this story.”

    Ali further added that Diljit’s commitment to authenticity was unmatched. “He recorded all the songs live, the way Chamkila did in his time. That brought an energy to the film that you can’t fake.”

    Amar Singh Chamkila, which premiered on Netflix in April 2024, chronicles the star rise and tragic end of Indian Punjab’s first mass-popularity pop star, whose provocative lyrics and raw storytelling drew both mass adoration and intense criticism. The film also stars Parineeti Chopra as Amarjot Kaur, Chamkila’s wife and musical partner, delivering a powerful performance that complements Dosanjh’s gripping portrayal.

    The film was praised widely for its innovative storytelling, soulful music, composed by A.R. Rahman and its bold exploration of art, censorship, and legacy in the sociopolitical landscape of 1980s Indian Punjab.

    The winners will be announced at the 53rd International Emmy Awards gala, scheduled to take place in New York City on November 24. This year’s awards cover 64 contenders in 16 categories and represent a record 26 nations.

  • VIDEO: Mike Hesson’s masterstroke directs Shaheen Afridi to match-winning wicket

    VIDEO: Mike Hesson’s masterstroke directs Shaheen Afridi to match-winning wicket

    Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson reportedly, turned the tide of the thrilling Asia Cup Super Four match against Bangladesh, using one, single instruction to orchestrate a crucial wicket that secured the team’s spot in the final against India on Sunday.

    The memorable moment occurred during the match in Dubai against Bangladesh, when Hesson sent a strategic signal to fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi via skipper Salman Ali Agha, instructing Afridi to bowl a slower ball.

    Afridi immediately followed the coach’s instruction, delivering a back-of-the-hand slower ball. Bangladesh’s Shamim Hossain misread the pace, popped the ball up, and was sent home, swinging the momentum decisively in Pakistan’s favour.

    Immediately after taking the wicket, Shaheen Afridi celebrated by looking towards the dressing room and acknowledging the coach’s call. Hesson reciprocated the joy, celebrating emphatically with the team. This pivotal moment captivated not only the crowd but also became a major talking point across social media.

    Social media users widely discussed and praised Hesson’s leadership. Fans lauded the signal as a “masterstroke” and hailed the coach for his brilliant in-game strategy.

    The coaching call proved essential as Pakistan successfully defended a modest total to defeat Bangladesh by 11 runs and qualify for the Asia Cup T20 final.

    A collective bowling effort sealed the victory. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf both took three wickets each, while Saim Ayub grabbed two and Mohammad Nawaz claimed one. With the bat, Mohammad Haris scored a vital 31, and Mohammad Nawaz added a quick 25. Shaheen Afridi received the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance.

    Pakistan now faces India on Sunday. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the two arch-rivals will meet in the final clash for the Asia Cup.

  • ‘Badla lena hai’: Fans demand revenge from Haris Rauf in Asia Cup final

    ‘Badla lena hai’: Fans demand revenge from Haris Rauf in Asia Cup final

    Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf grabbed headlines not only for his fiery bowling but also for his cheeky gestures against India during the Asia Cup match played between the two arch-rivals on Sunday.

     However, it was his match-winning impact against Bangladesh that secured Pakistan’s place in a historic Asia Cup final against India, fueling fans’ calls for “revenge.”

    Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 11 runs in a thrilling Super Four clash on Thursday, booking a spot in the final on September 28. Remarkably, this will be the first time in the tournament’s 41-year history that Pakistan and India meet in an Asia Cup title decider.

    The victory quickly shifted attention to the upcoming blockbuster final, with fans eager to see Pakistan avenge their Group-stage and Super Four defeats to India.

    A viral video showed Rauf, who picked up a crucial wicket against Bangladesh, interacting with supporters. In the clip, fans passionately urged the team to not only win the trophy but also settle scores with India.

    “This is from all of us,” one impassioned fan told the pacer. “Please, you have to win this time. Do not spare them,” they added, openly demanding payback.

    Rauf, meanwhile, found himself at the center of controversy during the earlier Super Four clash against India. His wicket celebrations, running with arms outstretched as if a plane were falling, and a “6-0” hand gesture directed at Indian fans, drew international attention. According to The Times of India and other outlets, the gestures were linked to military references, sparking criticism and further stoking tensions ahead of the final showdown.

    Pakistan, a two-time Asia Cup champion, will face eight-time winner India in what promises to be a high-stakes, emotionally charged final on September 28.

  • Coach asked for explanation on Arshad Nadeem’s loss

    Coach asked for explanation on Arshad Nadeem’s loss

    The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has sought a detailed explanation from coach Salman Iqbal Butt following Olympian Arshad Nadeem’s disappointing performance at the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he finished 10th in the javelin throw final.

    According to reports, the federation issued a show cause notice to Salman Iqbal Butt, requiring him to submit a written report by October 5. The AFP instructed the coach to clarify 10 distinct matters within his report, directly addressing the fallout from the World Championship. 

    Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympic Champion with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters in Paris 2024, struggled in the final with a best throw of 82.75 meters, resulting in his elimination after the fourth round.

    The coach must detail Nadeem’s training from September 2024 to August 2025, including which expert coaches assisted in the training program. The AFP also requested an outline of the strategy for Nadeem’s international event participation during that year.

    Key points demanding clarification include the reasons for Nadeem’s non-participation in any Diamond League edition and a detailed account of all contacts with foreign coaches and trainers over the year. The federation also wants specifics on Nadeem’s high-performance training over the 12-month period.

    The coach must provide details of any communication with the AFP or any other national institution during the specified year. The report also requires comprehensive information on Nadeem’s health and fitness, his medical issues, treatment, and rehabilitation program. Nadeem reportedly struggled with a calf injury leading up to the competition.

    The AFP instructed Butt to include details of any significant actions taken. Finally, the federation demanded a future strategy, including suggestions and a plan for Nadeem to move forward and return to the path of success.

    The Athletics Federation of Pakistan has informed the Pakistan Sports Board about asking for the report. News reports confirm that AFP took notice of the “poor performance” and directed the coach to submit the detailed report by October 5, asking for “explanations on ten key points.”

  • ‘Forehead kiss’: Mehwish Hayat shares vulnerable side in Instagram post

    ‘Forehead kiss’: Mehwish Hayat shares vulnerable side in Instagram post

    Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat, known for her strong on-screen personas and commanding presence, offered a rare glimpse into her softer side with a heartfelt Instagram post.

    Sharing a series of photos in which she can be seen being real, the Ms. Marvel star captioned them: “Even a gangsta like me needs a forehead kiss sometimes.”

    The post, which quickly went viral, sparked a wave of support and affection from fans, with many praising the actress for her emotional honesty. While a fan was quick to say: “You, in a gangsta movie/show would be such a treat to watch! Be it local or international.”

    Another fan wrote: “May you get all you wish for over and over and over and over again. PS: Thank you for making us smile by posting this eye candy.”

    Hayat, one of the most recognized faces in Pakistani entertainment, has long been celebrated for her fierce independence and bold career choices. But the caption reveals a more vulnerable layer beneath the surface of her public image.

    The timing of the post follows the conclusion of her hit drama Daayan, which aired after a seven-year break from television. The series received critical acclaim and strong audience ratings, marking a successful return to the small screen for Hayat. Her performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and screen command.

    Internationally, Mehwish Hayat continues to break barriers. She played a supporting role in the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which was a significant moment for Pakistani representation on global platforms. She also appeared in a music video alongside Indian rapper Honey Singh, further establishing her crossover appeal.

    Awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2019, Hayat has built a reputation for choosing diverse and challenging roles. Her filmography includes major Pakistani box-office hits such as Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Load Wedding, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, London Nahi Jaunga and Actor in Law.

    On television, she has delivered standout performances in serials like Dillagi, Mirat-ul-Uroos, Kabhi Kabhi, Meri Behan Maya and Daayan.

    Despite her celebrity status, Mehwish Hayat has often spoken about the pressures of fame and the need for emotional resilience in the spotlight.

  • President Trump hosts PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir at White House in cordial meeting

    President Trump hosts PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir at White House in cordial meeting

    President of the United States (US) Donald Trump hosted Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal General Asim Munir at the White House’s Oval Office in Washington DC, during the early hours of Friday morning.

    US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were also present, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) after the meeting said, adding that the meeting, which lasted more than one hour, was held in a pleasant atmosphere.

    Speaking during the meeting, the premier said the US leader’s bold, courageous, and decisive actions had helped facilitate the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, thereby averting what he called a potential “major catastrophe” in South Asia. 

    Discussing the situation in the Middle East, PM Shehbaz hailed President Trump’s efforts to bring about an immediate end to the war in Gaza, especially his initiative to invite key leaders of the Muslim world to New York, earlier this week, for a comprehensive exchange of views for the restoration of peace in the Middle East, in particular, Gaza and the West Bank.

    He also thanked President Trump for the tariff arrangement that was concluded between Pakistan and the US earlier this year, expressing the confidence that under President Trump’s leadership, the Islamabad-Washington DC partnership would be further strengthened to the mutual benefit of both countries. 

    Shehbaz Sharif invited US Companies to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture, IT, mines and minerals and energy sectors.

    Discussing regional security, including counter-terrorism cooperation, the Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his public endorsement of Pakistan’s role in counter-terrorism, stressing the need to further enhance cooperation in security and intelligence.

    Minutes before the meeting, the US president spoke to the media, calling PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir “great” people. “We’ve got the prime minister of Pakistan coming and the field marshal … [he’s] a great, great guy and so is the prime minister, both,” he said.

    The first formal bilateral interaction between the two leaders came six years after former prime minister Imran Khan met President Trump during the latter’s first term in July 2019.

  • First-ever Pak-India final in Asia Cup as Green Shirts defend 136 against Bangladesh

    First-ever Pak-India final in Asia Cup as Green Shirts defend 136 against Bangladesh

    Pakistan on Thursday sealed their place in the final of the Asia Cup with an 11-run victory over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

    Chasing 136, Bangladesh were restricted to 124 runs. Shamim Hossain top-scored with 30, while Saif Hassan (18), Nurul Hasan (16) and Mehidy Hasan (11) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

    Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf shone with the ball, taking three wickets each, while Saim Ayub claimed two and Mohammad Nawaz added one.

    Earlier, Pakistan, invited to bat first, managed 135 for 8 in their 20 overs. Mohammad Haris led the score with 31, supported by Nawaz (25) and captain Salman Agha (19). Faheem Ashraf remained unbeaten on 14 alongside Rauf (3*).

    Saim Ayub, however, registered his ninth career duck in 45 T20 Internationals, surpassing Shahid Afridi to become the second Pakistani with the most ducks in T20Is.

    For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed bagged three wickets, while Rishad Hossain and Mehidy Hasan picked up two each. Mustafizur Rahman took one wicket.

    With this win, Pakistan have set up a high-voltage final against India on Sunday, September 28, which will be the first in an Asia Cup in 41 years.

  • Defamation case filed against Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood

    Defamation case filed against Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood

    Former officer of India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Sameer Wankhede has filed an INR 2 crore defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment and others involved in the Netflix series The Ba***ds of Bollywood, alleging that the show falsely portrays him in negative light.

    The series, which marks the directorial debut of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan, has drawn criticism for its close parallels to Wankhede’s real-life role in the 2021 cruise drug case involving him.

    Wankhede claims that a character in the show is clearly modeled after him and undermines the credibility of anti-drug agencies. He also objected to a scene where the national motto Satyamev Jayate is followed by an obscene gesture — an act he says violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and various provisions under the IT Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

    The timing of the series’ release, while legal proceedings related to the 2021 drug case are still ongoing, is another major point of contention. Wankhede argues it could prejudice public opinion and damage his reputation further.

    Wankhede has pledged to donate any awarded damages to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, framing the case as one of principle rather than profit.

    Meanwhile, Aryan Khan’s much-awaited debut The Ba***ds of Bollywood on Netflix is being wildly discussed on social media for being loaded with satire, drama, fighting scenes and masala.

    The series is also filled with A-list Bollywood cameos, including those by Shah Rukh, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Badshah, Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor, Disha Patani and Emraan Hashmi among others.

  • Salman Khan opens up about his desire to ‘become father one day’

    Salman Khan opens up about his desire to ‘become father one day’

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has recently opened up about his past relationships and the desire to have children some day.

    In an appearance on the newly-launched talk show Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle, Salman reflected on why his past relationships didn’t work out. “When a partner grows more than the other partner, that is when differences start coming in. That’s when the insecurity starts setting in and so they both need to grow together,” he explained.

    “Both need to get off each other’s backs. I believe in that.”

    Aamir Khan, who was also a guest, interrupted to ask more directly about Salman’s romantic history. To this, the Tiger 3 actor responded with a touch of his trademark, “Yaar, nahi jama toh nahi jama [If it didn’t work, it didn’t work]. If there is anyone to blame, I am the one to blame.”

    The highlight of the conversation, however, came when Salman expressed his heartfelt desire to become a father. “Children, I will have, one day, soon,” he said, offering a rare glimpse into his personal aspirations. When host Twinkle Khanna asked, “Really? When?” Salman replied casually, “Whenever,” leaving the door wide open for speculation.

    Despite years of media speculation around his marriage and personal life, Salman has maintained that fatherhood remains a dream he still wishes to fulfill, even if it happens without marriage. He dismissed the idea of adoption when asked, saying, “Na, never.”

    Kajol asked if he wanted to pass on the Khan name to future generations. Salman said, “What legacy? What have we done? It’s not like we’ve delivered rocket science.”

    Kajol also recalled meeting Salman when she was just 12 years old, jokingly calling him “uncle”. Aamir spoke about how his bond with Salman deepened after his divorce, with the two spending long evenings together in quiet companionship. They also discussed parenting, with Salman commenting on how kids tend to stay closer to their mothers.

    “Kids get closer to their mom’s side… ghar bhi chalana parta hai bhai [You also have to run the house, brother],” he added with a laugh.

    Salman Khan has reportedly been in multiple relationships over the years, including with several leading ladies from Bollywood. He has often faced questions about his plans to get married, but has consistently dodged the topic or responded indirectly.

  • ‘FBR to tax TikTokers’

    ‘FBR to tax TikTokers’

    In an effort to boost tax collection, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is strategising to impose taxes on TikTokers, it has emerged.

    As per the details, Senator Faisal Vawda informed a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, that the tax watchdog was planning to tax TikTokers’ income.

    He went on to say that the largest share of recoverable taxes would come from Punjab as the province has the largest number of internet users.

    The move comes days after FBR collected data of around 100,000 individuals flaunting their wealth on social media, with the revenue watchdog reportedly poising to take action against them.

    According to reports, FBR will audit 100,000 wealthy people in the initial phase and people showcasing their luxury lifestyle online, including mansions, expensive cars, jewelry and other assets, will have to disclose their source of income. Individuals wearing clothes worth as much as $20,000 as a sign of the extreme luxury at weddings, will also come under the tax net.

    Meanwhile, the tax authority will also compare income tax returns submitted last year with those filed this year.

    FBR has made it clear that individuals who provide accurate and updated information in their income tax returns will not be penalised. However, those who fail to disclose their lavish spending or luxury assets risk facing strict legal consequences.